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What
people say about the Southern shores
and plans for its development
Feedback Unit, Government Consultation
Portal
What are your views on the setting up of
a casino in Singapore?
A selection of responses that mentioned the reefs and wildlife
of the Southern shores
23 Mar and earlier | 24-26
Mar | 27-30 Mar |
31 Mar-8 Apr | 9-12 Apr | 15-16
Apr | The
full thread
A
world clas reef: our natural heritage
Jani Thuaibah 31/03/2004 06:49:36PM
Just to add some numbers to the facts: If you compare the amount of
coral species found in the Great Barrier Reef's (GBR) 350,000 sq km
of reefs, with Singapore's mere ~54 sq km, we are definitely of world
class standards.
The Great Barrier Reef, within that large extent, has about 500 species
of corals, where as Singapore, which is a mere fraction of GBR's size,
has at least 197 species of corals. We have almost half the number
of species of corals found at GBR in Singapore's reef's whose size
is a mere 0.0154%.
Not being able to see these wonders does not mean that they are not
there. The reason why not everyone can appreciate our rich marine
biodiversity is because it is restricted to those who are sharp enough
and trained enough to see what is in our waters.
And the reason for this would be because the visibility of our waters
is so horrible. And the reason for that would be... In the 1960s,
the visibility of Singapore's waters used to be at least 10m, but
due to coastal developments and reclamation, the visibility now has
dropped to about 1.5m (on an average to good day) due to the increased
sediment load in the water.
Our waters are not polluted, it is just full of sediments. How do
the sediments get there? Reclamation. All that sand and muck being
thrown into our waters along with all that dredging. It is really
a wonder we still have such rich marine life. It is not because Singapore
has naturally murky waters, it is because we made it that way.
Singapore already HAS a world class reef, it is just a matter of developing
this potential, or incorporating this potential into whatever plans
Singapore might have. We have already made way for so many developments
in the past and sacrifised almost all of our natural heritage for
the sake of economy.
It is really time for Singaporeans to consider saving a part of your
natural heritage for your children and your children's children, and
even the tourists, to experience a truly uniquely Singaporean encounter.
RE:
A Top-Draw Island for the Rich and Famous?
Eddie Chong Poo Aik 31/03/2004 12:14:15PM
Yes it is a good idea. Some suggestions to further enhance it:
1) Link up the small islands around Sentosa with Sentosa. In order
to draw the rich and famous it must be of a very high class development.
2) For Singaporeans, develop Pulau Ubin into a more affordable resort
type development for living as well as a playground. Reclaimed land
round the whole island and improve on the `horrible' beaches. Why
are we so emotional on preserving things. If we need to see swamps,
old derelict houses, corals and etc we can always go to our neighbouring
countries. We are too small to preserve everything. We need to do
business and create jobs.
3) Transportation should be convenient and modern e.g the MRT for
these places.
4) Kindly forward this to the relevant Hon. Ministers for their attention.
RE:
A Top-Draw Island for the Rich and Famous?
Wesley Pang 01/04/2004 04:09:07PM
I would like to suggest the building of bridges rather than causeway
or reclamation to link the Southern Islands. A bridge(s)will lessen
impact on the water flow and cause minimal damage to the marine life.
Moreover, it would look good and will even allow the passage of ships/boats.
On the other hand, the draw of the islands lie in its far removed
location which can be reached only by boat or other sea transport.
If a road link is built, the romance of these islands is gone. If
you look at Macau, many people travel from HK by high speed jetfoils,
and it does not deter people from going there in spite of its location
before it built an airport. Even with the airport, many still travel
from HK to Macau by jetfoil. If the idea is to link the islands, I
suggest a bridge or bridges. It would be ideal if these islands are
not linked by any infrastructure except by sea transport.
RE:
A Casino in Singapore?
Vernon Voon 01/04/2004 11:14:22PM
I'm concerned about the environmental impact on our world class coral
reefs? Can they be saved?
Development
and Conservation: Eternal enemies? Time for Enmity
Yang Shufen 02/04/2004 10:32:03PM
Let me first of all applaud the idea of creating something ?uniquely
Singaporean?
There is a basket of benefits to be reaped from this plan. Tourism
is a big money-making industry, one of the recent examples is New
Zealand, from the movie "Lord of the Rings" trilogy that
helped boost New Zealand's tourism dollar close to that of its long
established dairy exports. New chances await the industry operators
and job seekers, promising the people of another path of wealth besides
the growing life sciences sector. In addition, Sentosa had long been
a tourist spot, albeit a money-losing one, despite attempts throughout
the years to improve.
The need for total revival of the place cannot be understated. In
line with Singapore's development into a modern city, it is true that
having a high-class resort (complete with a WORLD-CLASS casino) would
fit into the image and enhance our stand in Asia and the world as
well. I also understand that residential plans on the new resort had
been included too.
For the Singaporeans who have always coveted the idea of luxurious,
waterfront living away from the buzz of the city, this is good news.
In all, a whole new style living will thus be open, adding to variety
of choices and vibrant lifestyle of Singapore. The theme "Uniquely
Singapore" might then not just be limited to attracting tourists,
but for the pride and identity of the locals as well.
So what is the issue here then? Singapore had attained whole-class
status for many areas, one of which the most famous, is our airport.
Other outstanding fields include healthcare, high education proficiency
level, low or no corruption and clean environment.
Are we stopping there? Apparently not! After being well-known for
producing Maths whizzes; we go for all-rounders, the sports school
(Sports Academy?) spring into the scene and creativity comes under
the limelight. High healthcare standards then begin to path the way
for attracting patients all over the world. Even our media are scoring
well. The Straits Times newspaper have won many international, regional
awards for reports, designs and layouts; and our homegrown films had
gained some regional and international fame.
So who else, if any, is left out of these race, one may ask? Singapore
is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, the biodiversity hotspots
of the world. Without even efforts put in by us, we are naturally
blessed and placed on the global map! We are, or should I say, we
were, well-endowed with the two most diverse ecosystems available,
the tropical rainforests and the coral reefs.
E.O. Wilson, in his book "The Diversity of Life", wrote,
`Biodiversity is our most valuable but least appreciated resource'.
This cannot be more aptly said, at a time when nations are always
racing to get better and better, richer and richer, unknowingly, we
are getting poorer and poorer.
How does economics and biodiversity cross arms? Money is for survival
and wildlife are for enjoyment and appreciation? As ecotourism is
all the rage nowadays, many countries have fattened their national
wallets. Thailand, Malaysia, Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and the
now-famous New Zealand had also gained much from their biological
wealth.
Where does Singapore stand, then, as many claimed, since we already
have no more wildlife or nature areas? The first fact is, we still
have our fair portion of biodiversity. Hard to believe, yes, but there
are. just search the internet to look at the pictures of our local
wildlife meticulously put up for the public to enjoy and feel proud
of our national heritage.
The value of biodiversity stretches far beyond the above reasons.
Global warming is one of the consequences we face by ignoring the
beneficial cooling of the climate forest provide us with.
Closer to the heart, we rely on the tiny patch of tropical rainforest
remaining in our central catchment area to ensure that our precious
reservoirs do not dry up. The key here is development. For many years,
development = progress while conservation = obstacle to development.
This is a long standing principle, beginning from our history of forest
clearing for settlement since Raffles landed. The point is, is this
mindset still relevant? The new fashion word in town has changed,
if many had not realized. It's called 'sustainable development'.
Development, yes, with long term sustenance. In short, balance, is
the way of life. Let's redo the Maths and put the mind right. As a
nation achieving top standards in many areas, we score low for balancing
nature and development.
One of the greatly criticism lies with our coastal development. Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) had not been heeded nor consulted in many
cases, leading to our smothering of live corals, sedimentation of
waters, resulting in awful sights, as well as limiting health reef
growth with reduced visibility in our waters.
Reclamation of land is important, so is an equal view of the impacts
on our reef life. I see the new upcoming major resort development
as a great opportunity for both conservation and development to go
hand in hand. Singapore is excellent in planning urban developments,
hence no need for my recommendations.
My suggestion is to involve the natural vegetation and surrounding
coral reefs in the plan. They are an asset, a valuable, natural resource
to tap into. Additional economic losses will be incurred if natural
life is considered; diverting or taking a longer route in construction
of links and buildings, EIA reports potentially discouraging investors,
silt curtains during constructions to reduce sedimentation and so
forth. But, long term rewards are there.
In my view, the resort is a micro Singapore in the making, an all-rounder.
It will encompass economic gains: a casino, with luxurious lodgings;
well-architecturally designed hotels and spas, set in scenic environment;
natural wild habitats and clean waters, all together.
RE:
A Top-Draw Island for the Rich and Famous?
Teo Zhen Peng 04/04/2004 05:39:15PM
Leave the Southern Islands as it. We do not need to develope the place
for their natural charm is enough. Can we be sure that by builting
hotels,marinas,sports complexes,conventions centres, health spas,
retail shops, resturants, theme attraction and casino would work.
What is unique about all this that will attract anyone.
Except for casino we alredy have all of the above on mainland Singapore.To
most it is not a novelty at all. Futhermore other countries has it
too.
From previous experinces we also know that theme aatttraction will
not work.Look at Har Par Villa and TAng Dynasty Park will say everything.
As for casino, why buit them for the few who are rich.It will only
be a waste of precious land in Singapore.Though we can say it will
rake in high profit,that will also mean gambler will lost just as
much.
By the way I 'tolong' the government not to carry out land reclamation
in the vicinity of the Southerrn Island, or even merge it with Sentosa
by a land mass or bridge.This because the marine life especially the
corals here would be affected.
And to built a bridge would mean more vehicles and more pollution
to the islands.Futhermore forest would need to be clear to built carpark
too.Existing commercial ferry would be a good pubilc transport.
Howevever why not extent the cable car line from Sentosa to the Southern
Islands or even built a suspension bridge from Sentosa to the Southern
Isand for pedestrains use. Acessibbility would increase and the environment
would not be affected. This would be a win-win solution.
If you listen to me I would be happy and if action is done I would
be more than happy.
RE:
A Casino in Singapore?
Anonymous 06/04/2004 10:03:34AM
What I sincerely hope is that the government will be sensitive to
the environment in their developmental plans.
Is it really justifiable to reclaim the Southern Islands for buiding
a recreational facility? How about using already developed places
like Sentosa?
How many places in Singapore are still left untouched, unspoilt? Once
a place is built up, no matter how many trees are planted and how
nice a garden landscape is created, it just won't be the same. The
corals, the dolphins and whatever wildlife won't be there.
Why do outsiders criticise that Singaporeans lack roots? Perhaps it's
because conservation is very low on our priority. I really wish we
can be kinder and more respectful towards our natural heritage.
RE:
A Casino in Singapore?
Girl 07/04/2004 04:37:33PM
Truly, a casino on the proposed international island resort will boost
tourism from around the world, and especially in the region. However,
it is worrying that the government is setting aside more of our natural
environment to be replaced by man-made infrastructure.
A casino will boost the economy but hasten the loss of our country's
natural landscape. Perhaps the government could consider an alternative
that proves more environmentally-friendly yet benefitting the economy
as much as a casino.
Perhaps it could tap the intellectual pool in Singapore to contribute
to tourism instead? Also, there are many areas in Singapore already
built on that are in dire need of revamping.
Perhaps we could maximise the land we are already working with yet
further, before looking to other natural sites? Moreover, the casino,
with all its restrictions and temptations to Singaporeans, may cause
increased consciousness of the income gap between wealthy families
and those of low income.
RE:
A Casino in Singapore?
Elaine 08/04/2004 09:31:33AM
I don't feel that the casino will bring with it corruption. Maybe
there'll be fewer people betting on soccer, that's all. (After all,
there's a casino in Malaysia...so near!)
My concern is the threat to the coral reefs on the southern islands
because of the reclamation works required for this casino. Please
spare a thought for our natural environment (what little we have left!).
It's sick that we have to go overseas to see something REAL and NATURAL.
RE:
A Casino in Singapore?
foomt 08/04/2004 11:10:25AM
I agree with Elaine to keep the natural surroundings. It would be
more attractive for people to relax gamble if surrounded by nature,
we shouldn't reclaim the area around it & keep as many trees as possible,
hopefully with some wild animals around. |
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